Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine temporal trends in the rate of gout emergency department (ED) visits and charges in the United States between 2006 and 2012. METHODS: A serial cross-sectional analysis of the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample. RESULTS: The rate of ED visits for gout in adults overall increased from 75.0 to 85.4 per 100,000 persons over the study period (14% increase, p < 0.001), and increased 29% for those aged 45-54 years. Nationwide ED charges increased from $156 million to $281 million (80% increase, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Between 2006 and 2012, the rate of gout ED visits increased among US adults, most notably in those aged 45-54 years.